The 5.6km distance is officially an extension of the Green line which now runs all the way to Broombridge in Cabra. The total journey time from there to St Stephen’s Green will be just 25 minutes.

Ahead of its maiden journey, AOIFE FINNERAN takes a look at the project and its impact for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

THE COST

LUAS Cross City has come in at an eye-watering cost of some €368million.

As well as laying the route, purchasing new carriages and installing new signals, the line extension has required the diversion of existing services including sewer, gas, water, telecom and electrical services, the construction of 40 deep drainage manholes and the upgrade and reinstatement of heritage kerbing, paving, monuments, railings and the restoration of heritage items.

It also necessitated the upgrading of three bridges — at North Circular Road, Cabra Road and Fassaugh Road.

NEW AREAS SERVICED

THE new route is the first Luas line to provide direct access between the north and south of the city centre, encompassing 13 new stops.

Passengers can switch between the Red and Green lines at the new O’Connell St stop outside the GPO and at the Abbey St stop.

It also provides access to key buildings including Trinity College and the new DIT campus at Grangegorman.